[Costs of Saudi Arabia's Neom green hydrogen mega-project soar by $3.5 billion]Budgets for the Neom green hydrogen mega-project, which will tap vast green energy capacity, have soared 70% to $8.5 billion, according to a financial update from co-developer Air Products. Inflation, spare parts, land upfront costs and interest on a $1 billion loan all contributed to the $3.5 billion budget increase the company is developing in the deserts of northwestern Saudi Arabia with partner ACWA Power, a Saudi renewable energy development Merchant and Neom. Editor/Xing Wentao
The Saudi Ports Authority Mawani has opened up investment in the development and operation of the Jeddah Humla Integrated Logistics Zone, which covers an area of 2.4 million square meters and is adjacent to Jeddah Islamic Port, radiating to the European, African, and Middle Eastern markets. This investment promotion aims to supplement the supporting facilities in the port area. Investors can submit their intentions online, but the details of the land parcel have not been announced yet. Editor/Min Jing
Zakubov, Chairman of Kazakhstan's Samrukh Kazenana Sovereign Wealth Fund, and Zhou Huaixin, General Manager of CNPC, held talks in Astana to promote oil and gas projects such as Kashagan and Mangistau in the northern Caspian Sea. Kashagan exceeded its target of producing 12.8 million tons of oil in the first nine months of the year and will expand cooperation to renewable energy. They plan to implement a joint technology implementation plan from 2027 to 2030. Editor/Min Jing